Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

By now, I am sure most of you are aware of Libre’s story; the young terrier who was abused and left to die by his breeder. Libre was rescued and not expected to live because of the significant abuse he suffered. When he was rescued, he was suffering from the mange, emaciated, and barely conscious.

Despite this horrendous abuse, his breeder was only charged with a summary animal abuse charge – the only penalty currently prescribed by law. Pennsylvania is only one of a handful of states that does not have stiffer penalties for such abuse.

In order to remedy this injustice, I will be reintroducing legislation (SB1372 of last session) to increase the penalties for the most heinous of animal abuse.

Malicious abuse of animals will not and cannot be tolerated. The perpetrators deserve a punishment much more severe than a summary offense.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this vital legislation to protect animals that cannot fend for themselves.